Kindergarten Program at Queen's Grant

The most significant academic work is done in the area of reading readiness. Children participate in many activities and lessons that prepare them for reading. Reading readiness is an essential part of the kindergarten experience and one that should be taken seriously by both student and parents. A significant aspect of reading readiness is learning sound/symbol associations. All letters are taught by the end of the second month of school. Students begin with a brief introduction of each letter and then move on to letter sounds and proper formation, using both the Open Court Reading Program and Spalding Spelling. By the end of kindergarten, all students will be reading. Other areas of study are Math, Science and Social Studies. This year we will be using a new math curriculum called Think Math.
The development of fine motor skills in preparation for first grade is also an important part of kindergarten. Students have many opportunities to use pencils, crayons and scissors and are instructed and reminded regularly as to their proper usage.

Kindergartners have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities designed to help them make the adjustment to the school environment and working in a group. It is important that children learn to function well in the classroom environment. This includes getting along with other children and cooperating with adults other than their own parents. Kindergartners learn to take turns and wait without interrupting. They also work diligently to develop their listening skills.

Our moral focus program also begins in kindergarten. Students are introduced to monthly virtues and keywords through the use of stories and role-playing, as well as teaching by example in the classroom and at our assemblies. Kindergarteners also attend specials classes once a day for 45 minutes. Specials include Art, Music, Physical Education and Library. All special classes are taught by certified teachers or highly qualified teachers who are experts in their field. We have four kindergarten teachers at Queen's Grant and each have a maximum of 20 students in their classroom and lots of classroom volunteers who offer their assistance in many areas.

Assessments
The classroom teacher consistently monitors each child’s progress, starting at the beginning of the school year and continuing throughout the year. Teachers give one-on-one assessments on a regular basis and are also attentive to the daily work each child completes in the classroom. The information gained through these assessments is used to tailor the program to meet the needs of each individual child. This progress is also documented on the Queen's Grant Academy Progressive Report Card. Throughout the year, all kindergartners take the NWEA Map Test. This computer adaptive test evaluates progress and learning in the five domains of reading.